Punishing Putin

Punishing Putin by acclaimed journalist Stephanie Baker is a poignant exploration of the West's economic offensive against Russia, unveiling the unprecedented strategies deployed in an effort to cripple the Russian economy and halt Vladimir Putin's military ambitions. As readers delve into this compelling narrative, they are guided through the intricacies of modern economic warfare, highlighting how these methods have reshaped global trade and international politics.

Following Putin's audacious invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022—despite years of ineffective sanctions from the United States—Western nations responded with a rigorous set of economic mechanisms. This bold initiative aimed to weaken Putin's war capabilities while cautiously avoiding the onset of widespread global economic instability.

Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Baker chronicles the whirlwind of actions taken by Western powers to enforce these economic sanctions. From the dramatic seizures of luxurious superyachts belonging to Russian oligarchs to the intricate manipulation of oil prices and the restriction of military technology sales, Punishing Putin offers an eye-opening glimpse into this economic conflict.

The book provides an in-depth look at the deployment of a legion of financial crime experts, who meticulously track down illicit funds and target those attempting to evade sanctions. Baker offers a vivid portrayal of the behind-the-scenes dealings and vivid, fly-on-the-wall details that reveal Western efforts to stunt Russia's financial streams.

As the stakes of this economic warfare escalate, Punishing Putin illustrates how these economic measures have ushered in a new era of strategic statecraft. It examines the profound impact these tactics have on global alliances and the international order, insights that promise to resonate for generations to come.

This gripping book, praised as 'magisterial' and 'engagingly written' by critics like Catherine Belton and Owen Matthews, is indispensable reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of international finance, politics, and the dynamics of power in a rapidly changing world.